Atlanta United entered Major League Soccer for the first time this season and have managed to progress to the playoffs at the first time of asking. Having started the regular season with a 2-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls, it appeared this season could be a struggle for the newcomers, but they have performed above expectation.
In the MLS knockout round, they will host Columbus Crew, a team which reached the MLS Cup Final in 2015, only to lose to Portland Timbers. This will be the 13th time Columbus Crew have contested the end of season playoffs and they certainly have the upper hand when it comes to experience.
MLS Cup Playoffs – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Friday 27th October – 19:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 13/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Atlanta Unite
Columbus CrewAtlanta United Form
Atlanta United are only the second team since the year 2000 to reach the playoffs in their first season in the MLS and will be hoping to progress to the conference semi-finals with a win. The Five Stripes are in excellent form and ended the regular season with a strong set of results. Atlanta United have lost only 1 of their last 11 MLS games and just 2 of their last 18, which is a tremendous record and shows them as a tough team to beat. At home they have enjoyed records attendances and have won 11 of their 17 home matches, drawing 3 and losing 3, which is also a good record. Atlanta United have scored at least 1 goal in every home MLS game they have played this season and have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 home matches.
Columbus Crew Form
Columbus Crew finished 5th in the Eastern Conference this season, 1 point behind their opponents Atalanta United. Form towards the end of the regular MLS season has been excellent and Columbus Crew have won 6 and drawn 4 of their last 10 league games. This was in stark contrast to their form between the end of April and mid-June when they were struggling to win matches. Away from home in the MLS Columbus Crew have remained undefeated in their last 4 games, defeating Orlando City 1-0 and picking up draws at New York City FC, Vancouver Whitecaps and Orlando City. Columbus Crew have scored in each of their last 6 away games and conceded in 6 of their last 7 on the road, making them an entertaining team to watch.
Team News
Atlanta United will be without Alec Kann, Greg Garza and Brandon Vazquez who are injured. There is also a doubt over Michael Parkhurst, who is nursing a knee injury. Columbus Crew make the trip to Atlanta without the injured trio of Gaston Sauro, Ben Swanson and Alex Crognale.
Top Betting Tips
Both teams are in fine attacking form and with a packed house creating a superb atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, we are set for a cracking game of football. It would be a shock if both teams do not find the back of the net and if under 2.5 goals are scored. You can back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 10/11 with Ladbrokes. Both teams have been in good form leading into this match with the home advantage swaying things in favour of Atlanta United. You can back the hosts to win the match with both teams scoring at 21/10 with Ladbrokes. Atlanta United striker Jozef Martinez finished the regular season with 19 goals, which included three hattricks. You can get 20/1 with Ladbrokes for Martinez to register his fourth hattrick of the season in this match.